Categories: Health

Nepal to buy 2 mn covid vaccines from SII at reduced rates

<p>
The Nepal cabinet has approved releasing advance payment for two million doses of Covid-19 vaccine from the Serum Institute of India (SII) at subsidised rates. The Himalayan country will make a down payment of 80 per cent to the SII for procuring the high value dose.</p>
<p>
<a href="https://kathmandupost.com/health/2021/02/16/cabinet-clears-way-for-procuring-2-million-doses-of-covid-19-vaccine-from-india"><em>The Kathmandu Post</em></a> quoted Nepal's Health Minister Hrydesh Tripathi as saying: "We have secured the vaccines at $4 per dose." The cost of the two million doses will be approximately Nepali Rs 936 million, of which the down payment will be Nepali Rs 748.8 million.<br />
<br />
Nepal had been in talks with SII for the vaccines but could not procure these earlier as the government's policy does not allow for advance payments. Instead, it allows for open bidding for buying items worth over Nepali Rs two million. Now, with the cabinet approval, it will go ahead and procure the vaccines directly from SII.</p>
<p>
Reportedly, India helped in getting the discounted rates for Nepal.  </p>
<p>
Nepal started its vaccination campaign on January 27 after it received one million doses of the Covishield vaccine from India on a grant. It prefers this vaccine owing to ease of storage and transportation.<br />
<br />
Currently Nepal is immunising health workers, sanitation workers, ambulance drivers, journalists and staff at diplomatic agencies. It has also taken a decision to provide these vaccines free of cost to its people.<br />
<br />
Nepal will also receive 2,256,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine by the end of this month through the World Health Organisation’s COVAX facility. It has also been promised 5 lakh doses by China, but those have not been cleared by Nepal's drug regulating authority – the Department of Drug Administrator.</p>

IN Bureau

Recent Posts

EAM Jaishankar speaks with Canadian FM Anita Anand on prospects of India-Canada ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, about the prospects…

1 hour ago

India is now the fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan

In a matter of just less than three years, India has taken another stride, pipping…

1 hour ago

Guyana’s PM emphasises peaceful coexistence and rule of law in meeting with all-party delegation led by Shashi Tharoor

Prime Minister of Guyana, Mark Anthony Phillips, reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between India and Guyana.…

1 hour ago

Taiwan bolsters combat readiness, prepares for ‘war of endurance’ against China threat

Taiwan's military is prioritising combat readiness as a key aspect of deterrence due to escalating…

2 days ago

“When every state is Viksit, India will be Viksit”: PM Modi at NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting

Calling for an increase in the speed of development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on…

2 days ago

Scottish Parliament opposes Chinese interference in Dalai Lama’s reincarnation

The Scottish Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting religious freedom and human rights for…

2 days ago